Three Factors Make or Break Employee Happiness

What makes workers happy? A new survey by recruiting firm Howdy.com polled nearly 1,000 full-time workers to find out; overall, 73% reported on-the-job happiness.

Big differences:

• Just 19% of happy workers disclosed burnout compared to 84% of unhappy workers who reported burnout.
• Unhappy workers work an average of three more hours per week than their happy counterparts.
• Happy workers overwhelmingly have clear job duties (95% versus 75%), a supportive manager (80% versus 51%), and clear ways to succeed in their roles (93% versus 52%).
• Over one in four unhappy workers experienced workplace layoffs in the last six months.
• 56% of happy workers have investment in their work, while 85% of unhappy workers consider work “just a paycheck.”
• Only 25% of unhappy workers are satisfied with their pay, compared to 71% of happy workers.
• 30% of unhappy workers believe their employer cares about them, versus 85% of happy workers.
•  Recognition follows a similar pattern, with 85% of happy workers feeling recognized compared to just 44% of unhappy workers.

Off the clock, employees report huge differences as well: Only 40% of unhappy workers said they have work-life balance, and show lower numbers in exercise participation, participation in community beyond work, and long-term relationships.

The top three happiest job sectors were:

• Nonprofit (90%)
• Science and research (89%)
• Construction and trades (82%)